CCS-CJCN Israel 2023

Activities:

• Welcome to Israel! - Arrival at Ben Gurion airport. After being greeted and assisted with arrival procedures and collecting your baggage, you will be taken to meet your driver.

• "Mapping the Journey" by Joe Perlov - Opening talk and program - "Mapping the Journey"

• Dinner at Gueta - On Jaffa's Jerusalem Boulevard, across from the Gesher Theater, Gueta restaurant keeps to its traditional Tripoli style of cooking, using old recipes that have been passed through generations.

• Alberto by Isrotel Design

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Morning Graffiti Tour - Explore Florentine through an urban graffiti tour. Who are the people going out at night and changing the face of the neighborhood? What kind of story do these images and words tell us about the people living there? What is unique about graffiti in Israel and in Tel Aviv? We will walk through Florentine, the neighborhood of Tel Aviv best-known for graffiti art to answer these questions and many more in a dynamic and inquisitive tour.

• Gazoz Workshop - Meet Benny Briga the legendary Gazoz master of the Levinsky Market and author of the Gazoz book with Adeena Sussman. Briga has reimagined the Turkish tradition and given it a creative twist that results in delicious and beautifully bubbly beverage. Join Benny to learn how you can make this yourself.

• Levinsky Market - The Levinsky Market specializes in spices and Mediterranean delicacies. It is, in many ways, the best market in Tel Aviv, known for its variety, freshness, and special atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a rare Indian spice or some good quality saffron - this is the place. Shops offer a cornucopia of excellent cheeses, smoked fish, wines, and other delicacies. Tour the market and have "tastings" throughout.

• TRACK 1 - Everything Art - Tours and more with Shirel Horovitz - Using drawing, sculpting, video and sound, Tel Aviv based artist Shirel Horovitz, creates performances and installations exploring cities, communities and the relations between people and space. She earned her BFA from Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem and her MA (with distinction) from The Interdisciplinary Art program in Tel Aviv University.
  Tour of Tel Aviv Art Museum following the Israeli narrative through art.

• TRACK 2 - Fashion Tour - The tour addresses the relationship Israeli fashion has with the various aspects of living in Israel including identity questions, sub-groups in Israel, immigration to Israel, wars and cultural life and social entrepreneurship. Meet old and new fashion brands, designers who use ancient crafts and other professionals who use the best technology. We will walk, talk and shop.

• Cocktails on the beach for sunset

• Dinner on Own

• Drink up! - OPTIONAL - night life tour of Tel Aviv

• Alberto by Isrotel Design

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Ayalon Institute (First timers track) - Visit the Ayalon Institute, a clandestine ammunitions factory built in 1945 by the Haganah. In just three weeks, preparations for the factory were completed and it was code named the Ayalon Institute. Above ground, it appeared to be no more than a kibbutz. However, located eight meters below ground, this was the country's largest bullet factory. It has been said that the bullets manufactured at the Ayalon Institute played a crucial role in the success of the War of Independence.

• Drive back to Tel Aviv

• Asif: Culinary Institute of Israel - focusing on innovation - Asif is a non-profit organization and culinary center in Tel Aviv dedicated to cultivating and nurturing Israel’s diverse and creative food culture, a joint venture of the New York City-based Jewish Food Society and Tel Aviv’s Start-Up Nation Central.

• OR - Peres Center for Peace and Innovation - The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation is a leading non-profit and non-governmental organization focused on developing and implementing unique and cutting-edge programs. The center presents the incredible story of Israel, the "innovation nation", and showcases the diverse fields and people behind Israeli innovation.

• Meeting with an entrepreneur over coffee

• Beit Tefila Yisraeli - Kabbalat Shabbat - Welcome Shabbat at the Tel Aviv Port with Beit Tefilah Israeli in a prayer that combines the old and the modern, sunset and music.

• Shabbat Dinner hosted by Kehillat Yozma - Gather together for Shabbat dinner and services at Kehillat Yozma, a reform congregation in Modiin.

• Alberto by Isrotel Design

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• ANU Museum of the Jewish People - In June 2021, after ten years of planning and construction, the largest Jewish museum in the world opened its doors. You’re invited to join a fascinating journey that portrays the story of the Jewish people through the generations and up to the present time. The Museum represents all parts of the Jewish people and highlights the creative works and cultural riches of a variety of communities in different periods of history. This story is about all of us and each and every one of us is part of it.

• Tour Caesarea National Park - On the Mediterranean coast, Caesarea National Park is one of Israel’s most impressive archeological sites. Here, amazing ancient harbor ruins, beautiful beaches, and impressive modern residences sit side-by-side. The city was initially built by King Herod in the 1st century BC, who dreamt of a major seaport to connect the Province of Judea with Rome. For this purpose, the king's men designed an entirely artificial harbor that was in use for about a millennium. Caesarea became a central city in Roman and Byzantine times as can be seen from the massive archeological remains on site. View the spectacular Roman amphitheater, still used today as a performance venue, as well as the hippodrome that held 20,000 spectators for chariot races.

• Private tour of the Bahai Gardens - From the Louis Promenade at the top of Mount Carmel, we will admire the stunning scenery. Nicknamed the Balcony of the Country, a 400-meter long promenade at the top of the Baha'i Gardens offers a view of the entire Haifa Bay, all the way to the border with Lebanon. This impressive spot offers a truly spectacular view, so have a camera ready!

• Creativity meets Creativity - The Wine Truck with Nitzan Swersky - Enjoy a wine tasting and meet with incredible wine maker Nitzan Savraski of Ahat Winery. Ahat features white wines that are made with passion and detail. The Wine Truck sets up wine-tastings around the country and works with numerous wine-makers.

• Amirey HaGalil Hotel - On the winding road leading up to the historic city of Safed and near Amirim Village, amidst the natural peace and serenity of the Galilee, rests Amirey Hagalil Boutique Hotel. The hotel commands a breathtaking view from the Sea of Galilee to the Golan Heights.

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Olive Picking and lunch with a local Druze family - Together with your hosts in their private home, prepare traditional Druze Galilean dishes and then enjoy the feast you create. Learn about Druze culture and history from your hosts and from the food you eat.

• Peki'in - According to tradition, Peki'in has maintained a Jewish presence since the Second Temple period. The elderly sole remaining member of the Zinati family cares for the ancient synagogue as best she can. Grandma Jamilla, the founder of family owned olive oil soap made from local oil and medicinal herbs is a local legend.

• Kishor Winery - Wine Tasting at Kishor Winery located in Kishorit, a village for adults with special needs. The members of the community enjoy a full life, including meaningful employment. In conjunction with the professional staff, the members take an active part in the grape cultivation, bottling, and marketing of the wines. The Visitors’ Center also employs Kishorit members who host guests, interact with members of the general community, and give guided tours.

• Dinner at Kishurit

• Amirey HaGalil Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Travel to the Golan Heights - Explore the Golan Heights. Learn about the recent history of the region and explore the issues that have confronted Israel during the civil war in Syria. Stop at Har Bental, an extinct volcano and an army stronghold.

• Jeep Tour with Geo-political emphasis - Take a geo-political tour of the Golan with an expert. While traversing the rich landscape, learn about the history, flora, and fauna of the area. Stop for a lookout over the border with Syria from Mt. Bental to get a better understanding of the geography and strategical role this region has for the State of Israel. Your local guide touches on the nuances of living so close to the Syrian border and what that has meant for Israel as it relates to security and humanitarian issues.

• TRACK 1 - Banias National Park - Take a refreshing walk around the Banias, one of Israel’s most beautiful nature reserves. The Banias spring feeds into the Jordan River, the reserve’s large waterfall tumbles down a 33-foot precipice year-round, and a nearby cave houses remains of a temple to the Greek god Pan. In the wars of 1948 and 1967, when the Golan was held by Syria, the site housed a Syrian officers’ club.

• TRACK 2 - Shear Yashuv - A memorial to the 73 dead IDF soldiers was created near the crash site of one helicopter next to the cemetery of Shear Yeshuv. Visit the Dani Karavan known memorial.

• Bikes & Golfcarts at Hula Valley - The Hula valley sits in part of the northern Syrian African Rift Valley which stretches as far south as Mozambique in Africa. During every migration season over 500 million birds travel through the Hula Lake. This wetland paradise is the perfect stopover for small waterfalls, cormorants, heron, pelicans, raptors, storks, and cranes. Early morning ride through the park.

• Dinner joined by Farah Raslan - Farah, originally from Lebanon, is one of Israel's up and coming chefs, She is taking the culinary scene by storm after making it to the finals of Israel's Master Chef by preparing authentic Lebanese cuisine

• Amirey HaGalil Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• TRACK 1: Tour Safed - Safed, pronounced Tzfat in Hebrew, sits at a higher altitude than any other city in Israel and has been known since the 16th century as a major center of Kabbala, Jewish mysticism. Safed’s mystical aura adds to its special status as one of Israel’s four holy cities, along with Jerusalem, Tiberias and Hebron. The old synagogues, narrow alleyways and artists’ studios add to the hilltop city’s unmistakable charm.

• TRACK 1 - Visit and tour of a kibbutz

• TRACK 2: Rosh Pina - The earliest major wave of immigration, the First Aliya, created small agricultural colonies along the coastal plain. Rosh Pina, established in 1882 on deserted rocky land, was the first settlement in the Galilee. Walk along the historical main stoned paved street, explore the local artist's studios, and hear about the story of this place.

• TRACK 2: Nimrod Observation Point - Meet Hezi Segev, Nimrod's father and the founder of the lookout.

• Havat Rom - A visit to a magical organic farm, located on a mountain with a beautiful view of Meron Mountain. This is an agricultural organic farm, where they use ancient knowledge along with modern tools. Trying to find the balance between humans and nature. Enjoy a light meal from the fresh produce and excellent cheese.

• Amirey HaGalil Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Check out of the hotel and travel west

• Akko Tunisian Synagogue - The Or Torah Tunisian synagogue in Akko is unique even in a land of synagogues. Built by a community of Tunisian Jews from Djerba, it offers four stories of glorious mosaics and stained-glass windows both inside and out, showing a varied range of stories, plants, and animals.

• Tour Akko - The ancient city of Akko is situated on the Mediterranean, is one of the oldest ports in the world, and a city shared by Jews and Muslims. Walk narrow streets past towering ramparts, deep moats, green domes, venerable synagogues, slender Muslim minarets, and secret passageways. Discover the subterranean city built in the Middle Ages by the Crusaders beneath Akko. Learn about the city’s ancient history as well as its important role in Israel’s modern history.

• Uri Buri and meeting with Uri - For the past 40 years , the popular Uri Buri restaurant has offered a variety of delicately prepared fresh fish and seafood dishes, and boasts a wine list with over 100 different kinds of fine Israeli wines.

• Travel south to Jerusalem

• TRACK 1 - Latrun - One of the fiercest and most important battles of the War of Independence was the fight for the fortress of Latrun, which commanded the main road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

• TRACK 2 - Mitzpe Harel - At Mitzpe Harel on the Burma Road route, hear the story of the fight to keep Jerusalem 'at any cost.' View the landscape and the history it evokes- from ancient to modern.

• Time permitting - The Bible's Garden-Yad HaShemona - Guided by Rabbis leading the trip

• Jerusalem Lookout and SheHechiyanu - The tour will begin with a panoramic view of Jerusalem and the surrounding area. You choose if you want to see Jerusalem and the Judean desert from Mount Scopus or the Haas Promenade – OR - to appreciate Jerusalem’s splendor from the Mount of Olives, home to many biblical events. All of these lookouts offer an unrivalled vista of the Old City and its environs.

• Herbert Samuel Jerusalem Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Tour the Old City, Jerusalem (2 TRACKS) - Tour Jerusalem’s Old City and meet the people and places that make this place so unique. In the Jewish Quarter, uncover the layers of Jewish history from the time of the First Temple until the present day. In the Christian Quarter, visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and, if conditions permit, visit the one of the holiest Muslim sites, the Temple Mount. Throughout the tour explore the complexity of a city that is holy to these three major religions.

• The Western Wall Tunnels - Explore what’s under the Kotel through the Kotel Tunnels Tour. The Western Wall is impressive, but its greatness is truly discovered when you descend underground to the Western Wall Tunnels. The tunnels run along approximately 488 meters (1601ft) of the Western Wall, giving visitors a taste of the challenge that stood before Herod the Great during the biggest of all his immense building projects - the expansion of the Temple Mount.

• Machane Yehuda Market - In the heart of Jerusalem sits this bustling, multi-ethnic market bursting with life, art, and flavor. A tasting tour through Machane Yehuda Market is an adventure for your taste buds! Enjoy the hustle and bustle with all the rich fragrances, colors, and sounds this iconic Jerusalem market offers.

• Time to rest

• Dinner at Hamotzi - Israeli Master Chef winner Avi Levy combines a North African cooking style with a Jerusalem flare to create a rich kaleidoscopic of flavors using local ingredients from the nearby Machane Yehuda market.

• OPTIONAL - 'Shtisel' Tour - A taste of the Ultra-Orthodox world-walk the streets of the ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods, get to know the people, the food, and feel the vibrations of this life. On a busy Thursday night, when people are preparing for Shabbat, gain a more complex appreciation for the people by listening to their music, visiting synagogues, various institutions, seeing unique leisure, fashion, and art this world encompasses, and, of course by eating freshly baked challah.

• Herbert Samuel Jerusalem Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Security Briefing with Grisha Yakubovich - Opening talk about geopolitics and security briefing. Grisha Yakubovich served in the Israel Defence Forces for 30 years, ending his career as Head of the Civil Coordination Department of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). He now consults and guides educational tour of the Gaza Border and the West Bank.

• TRACK 1 - Yad Vashem - Visit the museum at Yad Vashem, Israel’s National Memorial to the Holocaust. Tour this memorial to the darkest moment in world and Jewish history, its children’s memorial, and exquisite gardens. Yad Vashem is an unforgettable place of tribute and remembrance. You'll be guided by a member of the Yad Vashem staff.

• Shrine of the Book - End the day at the Israel Museum to marvel at the Dead Sea Scrolls and the remarkable archaeology exhibition.

• TRACK 2 - The Workshop by Muslala - Muslala is a nonprofit organization established in 2009 by artists, residents, and community activists. The organization runs art exhibitions, urban “art-tracks”, guided tours, and art workshops. Muslala wishes to produce a new model that combines artistic activity with a social orientation. Tour the center, learn about the activities, and choose a workshop.

• Rainbow tour - Rainbow Tour Jerusalem - Jerusalem's secret queer story

• Reflection time at the Western Wall

• Traditional Shabbat Dinner - Cooked by Rabbi David Freelund and Via Sabra staff

• Herbert Samuel Jerusalem Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• TRACK 1 - Masada National Park - Ascend the mountain from the east to explore Masada, scene of the epic stand by Jewish rebels at the end of the Great Revolt against Rome nearly 2,000 years ago. The new museum at the Visitor Center reveals the secrets of the daily life of the rebels, the story of the excavations, and how the site became one of Israel’s most important symbols.

• TRACK 1 - The Dead Sea - At 1,300 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. Known in Hebrew as "The Sea of Salt", it is also one of the saltiest lakes in the world - with about 34.2% salinity.
  This is a stunning, other-worldly landscape of shimmering blue water ringed by bare, orange and yellow hills. The waters of the Dead Sea hold a potent solution of minerals and salts that have strong healing properties. Together with its ethereal beauty, these health-giving minerals make the Dead Sea’s beaches and spas popular vacation spots for Israelis and tourists alike. At one of the local hotels, have lunch and 'float' in the Dead Sea.

• TRACK 2 - Ein Kerem - Tucked into the hills of Jerusalem is the biblical Ein Kerem, whose name means "the spring in the vineyard." Step into another world while you visit this quaint neighborhood.

• TRACK 2 - Seahorse Winery - The Seahorse winery is a small operation and is one of the better places to get to know the Judean Hills' terroir. Zeev Dunie, a filmmaker turned winemaker, has pioneered coaxing authentic Mediterranean flavors from unusual grapes.

• TRACK 2 - Sataf - Explore the Jerusalem Hills at the beautiful Sataf forest for a hike through the area. The Sataf is on the site of ancient agricultural terraces which date to the time of the ancient Israelites. If it’s warm enough, there’s even an option to take a dip in some of the natural springs. Along the way - forage for edible plants.

• Closing dinner - Majda restaurant - Majda, a restaurant in the Jerusalem Hills village of Ein Rafa, is famous for its innovative fusion cuisine, beautiful property and views from its rooftop and an appearance on Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. The menu is full of creative local dishes all prepared by Yakub and Michal, the Arab-Jewish couple who own Majda.

• Havdalah

• Herbert Samuel Jerusalem Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Check out and drive to the airport

• Farewell and departure